Linda LD
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6663
posted
If you told me to fix it and I missed it--I am sorry--I'm just slow sometimes. I can't add a lot of text--I wish I could--this little puppy is TIGHT AS A TICK!
L
TICKS HURT
Lyme disease
Lyme Disease (Ld) is an infection caused by a spirochete (spiral-shaped bacterium) that is transmitted to humans via the bite of an infected tick or mosquito. About 220,000 Americans develop Ld each year, making it the most prevalent vector-borne disease in the United States. But according to the CDC, only 10% of Ld cases are even reported.�
Ld is called ``The Great Imitator'' because its symptoms mimic many other diseases; however, when Ld is diagnosed and treated properly and promptly, most people recover quickly. On the other hand, many doctors are unfamiliar with its symptoms. Untreated, or inadequately treated, Ld can cause serious life-long health problems, which can lead to permanent disability. �
People with persistent Ld often experience unrelenting, debilitating fatigue, cognitive problems, neurological damage, arthritis, heart damage, vision or hearing deficits, or psychiatric problems.
The most obvious Ld symptoms are: * fever, * flat or slightly raised red lesion at the site of the tick bite (occurs in less than 40% of cases) important to take a picture with ruler and date, * flu-like symptoms in summer, * headache (sensitivity to lights, glare, sound and chemical smells), * joint inflammation in the knees or other large joints, * lethargy, * muscle pains, * stiff neck, and * depression.
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease include itching, psychiatric symptoms, and a host of other possible symptoms.
PREVENTION IS KEY
* Wear light-colored clothing so ticks are more visible, tuck the bottoms of long pants into your socks if you walk in tall grass or brush, and wear closed shoes. * Use a permethrin spray on clothing, which repels ticks. Products are available that repel ticks from clothing for up to two weeks, including washing. * Check for ticks on thighs, groin, underarms, backs of knees, behind the ears, and on the neck at the hairline--check children and pets. * Avoid exposure to ticks when possible and, if you are bitten, promptly remove the tick. * Remove a tick by grasping with tweezers at the tick head as close to skin as possible. Gently and slowly pull the tick straight out. Save the tick in tight container. Disinfect the site with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide. Wash hands afterwards. * Retain the tick and if symptoms occur (which may appear days, weeks, or months after tick attachment) send the tick to a reputable lab for testing and seek medical attention.
posted
Is it true? Can this disease be fatal? Another thing for me to worry about with my little girl. I wish it were me instead of her.
Posts: 11 | From CA | Registered: May 2006
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shazdancer
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1436
posted
Dear mommy,
Fatalities are rare, so please don't get too upset. The good news is, many of our children recover completely; according to Dr. Jones, they often do better on antibiotics than adults. Just get to a doc who really knows this stuff, and can perhaps consult with Dr. J.
Hi, bettyg,
With all due respect, I'm going to disagree with you on "back of the knees." I think it should be "backs of the knees," just as we might say, "the hems of our dresses" or "the tops of our heads."
Regards, Shaz
Posts: 1558 | From the Berkshires | Registered: Jul 2001
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